Facebook adds domestic partnerships as a 'relationship status'

The SFG is reporting that social networking giant Facebook has added 'domestic partnerships' and 'civil unions' as relationship status options.

The move has been applauded by gay/lesbian advocacy groups, who see it as strong support for same-sex couples.

For now, the new options are available to Facebook users in the US, UK, Canada, France and Australia.

Facebook has 550 million users around the world and continues to see exponential growth. The company was recently valued at $50 billion, making it one of the largest Internet-based companies in the world.

Facebook sent a clear message in support of gay and lesbian couples to users across the globe.

When millions of Facebook users see these relationship status options, they gain a greater understanding of the legal inequalities faced by loving and committed same-sex couples in so many states today.

Being able to see same-sex couples in civil unions and domestic partnerships who celebrate their relationships no differently than married couples will serve as another reminder that these couples still lack the same legal recognition and protections associated with marriage. Facebook's noteworthy move also highlights the vast majority of same-sex couples living in states where there are no legal protections whatsoever.

Facebook said the upgrade was one of the most requested by its userbase.